The threatened species of tortoises will be returning to the forests of Karnataka

In a one-of-a-kind repatriation mission, over 50 star tortoises who were smuggled from India to Singapore are being flown back home. These victims of illegal wildlife trafficking were rescued by the combined efforts of Wildlife SOS, an Indian based wildlife conservation charity and the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change in India.

After being smuggled to Singapore, the animals had been confiscated by officials and housed by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES). ACRES has been caring for the animals for eight years, while repatriation plans were in the pipeline for more than two years, says Channel News Asia.

The rescued star tortoises, feasting on a meal.

The tortoises were transported free of charge by Singapore Airlines, in boxes designed specifically to keep them safe and comfortable during the long flight home. They were flown into Bengaluru, from where they will be taken to a protected area in Karnataka. After a three-month quarantine, they will be radio tagged so that they can be monitored for survival.

The tortoises getting prepped for the flight.

Even though the Indian star tortoise is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, it is still one of the most trafficked tortoise species in the world. The unique star-like radiating pattern on its shell makes it an unfortunately popular victim of the exotic pet trade. They are also poached extensively for their meat and to make traditional medicines.

The initiative is the largest repatriation ever organized by ACRES. In a statement, Anbarasi Boopal, Deputy Chief Executive of ACRES said, “We will continue our fight to end the illegal wildlife trade and strive to ensure that these animals stay where they belong – in the wild.”